Election

FEATURED ARTICLES ABOUT ELECTION

Mark R. Madler If reelected to the City Council in this year's election, Marsha Ramos already knows it will be her political swan song. She will not seek a third term. Ramos wants to give other residents the opportunity to serve in the capacity she has since 2001. "You do your public duty and you move on," said the longtime Burbank resident. "I'll serve the community in the ways I used to, and that I miss." Ramos, 47, is one of three incumbents running in Tuesday's primary election against four challengers for a council seat.

A Senate election in Massachusetts rocked the national political scene Tuesday after a heavily favored Democratic candidate lost to a little-known Republican, stirring concerns about the future of Democratic priorities and the potential for congressional shake-ups in November elections. Reps. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), David Dreier (R-San Dimas) and Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) will be up for election in June, along with all members of the House of Representatives. In Massachusetts, Scott Brown, a Republican state senator, upset the state’s attorney general, Martha Coakley, a Democrat who had been favored by more than 30% in voter polls as recently as November.

I want to issue a sincere “thank you” to my fellow citizens who voted in this election and to each candidate who ran for the City Council. The candidates may not always agree and we may not always agree with them, but their willingness to put themselves out there and their interest in serving the city is admirable and appreciated. And without the voters, none of it would matter at all. This election seemed to be a more civil event than the prior election, at least to the casual observer.

Leader erred by implying Kramer is front-runner I'm writing to let you know I did not like the way a phrase was worded in the article "Three want to run the money," (Sept. 23-24.) You wrote, "Anderson and Layfer will be up against Vice Mayor Bob Kramer." You are making it sound like Kramer is favored in this election and I hope that is not what you are trying to portray because he is the least qualified of all three candidates. You should let Burbank residents know who is qualified and can do the job because if Kramer did get it because the people didn't know, I could see another Orange County Episode coming on. Being mayor or on a council does not automatically qualify you for any elected position.

Paul Clinton CIVIC CENTER -- Promising to bring a passion for public service and civility to public debate, David Laurell was elected to the City Council in a runoff election April 13, 1999. In a hard-fought campaign, Laurell unseated incumbent Ted McConkey, capturing 62% of the votes. Roughly one year after he was sworn in, Laurell, 43, sat down with the Leader at his Magnolia Park home to talk about his first stint in office. Laurell said it's been a busy time as he's learned about the machinations of city government and rebuilt the home he shares with his wife, Max. The home was partially destroyed in a fire shortly before the election.

As residential Realtor in Burbank, City Council candidate Whit Prouty meets families all the time who are drawn to Burbank for its unique character and small-town feel. "They stay in Burbank or they come to Burbank because of what a wonderful place it is," he said. And the desire to help maintain Burbank's high quality of life fuels Prouty's bid for one of two council seats that are opening up in April. Prouty's first steps into Burbank civic affairs began with the PTA when his children started going to Burbank schools.

I would like to congratulate Jess Talamantes and David Gordon for their victories on Tuesday night's general election. It was a hard-fought campaign and they deserved to win. I would also like to express my appreciation for David Golonski's 20 years of service to our city. Dave, you did a fine job. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the many voters who selected me as their candidate. You have my gratitude, from the bottom of my heart. Lastly I would like to thank my wife, Kimberley; Ron Sabatine, my campaign manager; Mal and Linda Kelman, my treasurers, whose tireless efforts kept me positive and on task; and Bob Frutos and Gary Bric for their unwavering friendship and support.

As California went to the polls Tuesday to decide on a new party candidate and seven statewide ballot propositions, polling places throughout Burbank reported few problems and a mixed review of voter turnout. Record turnout was expected throughout Los Angeles County and at Burbank’s nearly 50 polling stations. Though some problems were reported in Los Angeles, including polling place confusion and missing ballots, voting in Burbank was relatively smooth, said City Clerk Margarita Campos, who has no official role in the election but visited two polling stations.